Apple Watch Series 3 LTE Models Shipping Earlier Than Expected

Customers who were not lucky enough to secure an LTE-enabled Apple Watch Series 3 model right when pre-orders went live have been waiting patiently for their new devices, with many shipping estimates ranging into October after delivery dates slipped by weeks.

Some of those customers won't be waiting too long, though, as Apple is getting those backordered Apple Watch Series 3 models out quicker than expected. MacRumors has heard several reports from readers who expected their devices in mid-October but are already receiving shipment confirmations, and many others are discussing their early arrival dates in our forums.

Orders appear to be arriving early in several countries, including the United States and the UK. From MacRumors reader danmart:

My order (UK, confirmation received 08:05, 42mm SSSB with Sport Band) was originally projecting 9-16 October. Just received notification that it will deliver on Thursday!

Some customers who have been waiting on an Apple Watch have been able to secure one in a local Apple retail store by keeping an eye on stock using Apple's in-store pickup tool.

All of the Apple Watch Series 3 models with LTE connectivity list shipment dates of at least three to four weeks when purchased online in the United States, and availability is similarly limited in other countries. Given that Apple is getting some of these watches out early, the wait could be somewhat shorter.

Non-LTE Series 3 Apple Watch models are readily available in stores and will ship out right away.

Customers who chose a Nike+ model have also been waiting for their devices to arrive. While the first LTE models delivered on September 22, Nike+ models won't start arriving to customers until Thursday, October 5.

Apple Watch Series 3 pricing starts at $329 for the non-LTE devices and $399 for LTE connectivity, with prices going up based on band selection and case material.

Still don’t get why I should pay $10 a month for LTE access when LTE speeds are of little use given the form factor, and the battery dies if you rely on it for more than a few hours a day. Seems like a lot to pay so that once in awhile I can leave my phone behind at the gym, pool, or in the court room.

Well, looks like you don’t need one then. Why are you wasting your time in these forums ?

Still don’t get why I should pay $10 a month for LTE access when LTE speeds are of little use given the form factor, and the battery dies if you rely on it for more than a few hours a day. Seems like a lot to pay so that once in awhile I can leave my phone behind at the gym, pool, or in the court room.

My 85 y/o mom ordered the 42mm LTE gold sport with the woven band. Delivery was ETA as 3rd week in Oct, but it delivered today.

Apparently she is not too thrilled with the gold color ("cheap"); it remains to be seen if she will return it, or exchange it. (She has a Series-0, 42mmm aluminum sport, originally with a white band, now with a Product Red band.)
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I returned two yesterday, I think there will be number of people like me that need the watch to work in the USA and tethered to a international phone as well. I will need to wait until this feature becomes available in the future. Europeans have the problem much worse than those of us in Asia due to the proximity of countries.

This is true. All of my family in the USA replaced their Series-0, with the new LTE, but I'm going to stay with my Series-0 until I know I can roam with it. (This limitation makes the watch crazy impractical for Europeans or international business travelers.)
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If you all remember the original Apple Watch Edition the one gold one had a red crown. And Tim Cook’s personal Apple Watch always had a red crown. I like it the red crown but I’m done buying Apple Watches until it does glucose monitoring or redesigned. Have a ss series 0 and ss Black series 2 sitting around here somewhere and probably should sell them since I rarely wear them.

Ever tried using it for Apple Pay? This is a very useful feature on any Apple product.

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